It was contentious. It was harrowing. But after two days of deliberations, Unicorp’s application to build a St. Regis Hotel and Residences received a 5-2 vote of approval for the first of two readings by the Longboat Key Town Commission last week.

Without an epidural and with numerous suitors claiming ownership rights to the offspring, Unicorp President Chuck Whittall, his attorneys and the members of the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Board came together this past week and consummated the first signs of new life at the decrepit 17.6-acre site.